Great editing is a collaborative journey that elevates your voice.
If you’re an indie author looking for a partner in the writing and publishing process, you’re in the right place.
Polish your pages. Keep your voice.
With 15+ years of professional writing and editing experience, I’ve helped both new and experienced authors create stronger, more market-ready manuscripts. My clients have landed literary agents, self-published successfully, and strengthened manuscripts for traditional publishing.
Creativity Matters
I’ve spent my life creating through movement, through words, and through the places I’ve explored. As a former dancer and yoga instructor, I understand flow, rhythm, and intention. As an editor and writer, I bring that same sensibility to the page.
My editing style is direct, insightful, and deeply supportive. I’m here to help you strengthen your story while honoring the creative spark that makes it yours.
What My Clients Say
★★★★★
Allison’s feedback is not only thorough and insightful but also deeply encouraging. I especially appreciate that she doesn’t just catch errors or improve flow, she also shares feedback as a reader, which makes her perspective invaluable. What began as a passion project for me has now become my full-time career, and I feel so blessed to have had Allison’s guidance along the way.
Kylie Snow, Author of The Otacian Chronicles
★★★★★
I’m quite sure that had I been able to perform GENE SPLICING, I could not have found a better book editor than I did in Allison Smith. She’s a singular combination of smart, eagle eyed, compassionate, quick, thorough, and thoughtful. A dream, really. She gave my manuscript the depth of attention and care I craved, but didn’t think I’d find, all in one human.
Andrea Driessen, 2x author and speaker
★★★★★
I hired Allison as my editor, but I got so much more by working with her: a thought partner, a mentor who made me a much better writer, a coach who helped me discover my writing voice and instincts, and a trusted ally on my entire book project. Allison has made the entire process fun, immensely productive, and transformative for me as a person and a writer.
Andy Nelson, Author of the soon-to-be-released Survivor’s Gratitude: The Gifts of Cancer, Clarity, and Connection
★★★★★
Allison quickly connected with the core context and message of the manuscript and offered honest, thoughtful feedback that helped shape the book for the better. What stood out most was her deep understanding of my writing style. She preserved my voice, tone, and conversational flow while strengthening clarity and readability.
Akila Selvaraj, Author of What Tree Are You?
★★★★★
Allison’s comments and advice have been more valuable, and a better value, than any writer’s retreat. Her enthusiasm for the subject and her encouragement through the difficult parts have contributed significantly to the success of the project. While I am an accomplished professional writer with millions of published words, I have nevertheless seen significant improvements in my writing since working with Allison.
D.A. Kelly
★★★★★
Allison is a rock-star editor and wonderful human being. What she touches turns to gold and her insight will level-up your story and manuscript in profound ways.
Jeffer Nightwind, Author of The Bane War series
Editing Services
- Writing Coaching – Build your story, structure your chapters, stay accountable, and finish your manuscript with expert guidance.
- Developmental Editing – Big-picture insights on story, pacing, structure, voice, argument, and reader engagement.
- Line Editing – Strengthen clarity, flow, tone, and style without losing your voice.
- Copyediting – Grammar, consistency, word choice, and readability.
- Proofreading – Final polish before publication or upload.
Specializations
- Fiction: Fantasy, science fiction, romance, speculative, literary, and contemporary
- Nonfiction: Memoir, self-help, personal development, spirituality, business, creative nonfiction, thought leadership.
Portfolio
Books I’ve edited across fiction and nonfiction.
Pricing
Pricing gives context, but custom quotes are based on your manuscript and goals.
Writing Coaching
$100/hour
For authors who want guidance, accountability, and creative support.
We meet regularly to discuss your goals, improve your craft, and help you move your book from idea to finished manuscript.
You’ll get:
- Personalized feedback on your progress
- Accountability and structure
- Creative breakthroughs and mindset support
- A clearer, more joyful writing process
Developmental Editing
Starting at: $16/1000 words
For authors who want big-picture clarity, structure, and direction.
I help you strengthen your story at the foundational level, shaping plot, pacing, character arcs, and narrative flow. This service includes an editorial letter and detailed margin comments.
You’ll walk away with:
- Confidence in your story’s structure
- A deeper understanding of your characters and themes
- Clear revision priorities
- A stronger, more compelling manuscript
Line Editing
Starting at: $16/1000 words
For authors who want their voice to shine with clarity and style.
Line editing focuses on sentence flow, tone, rhythm, and the emotional impact of your writing. I help refine your prose while keeping your unique voice intact.
You’ll gain:
- Cleaner, more expressive sentences
- Improved pacing and flow
- Clearer imagery and stronger narrative voice
- Prose that feels polished and intentional
Copy Editing
Starting at: $13/1000 words
For authors ready to tighten grammar, consistency, and readability.
This is a technical, detail-focused edit that improves accuracy and clarity without changing your style.
You’ll benefit from:
- Consistent grammar, punctuation, and usage
- Clearer descriptions and word choices
- Improved reader experience
- A manuscript that’s ready for the final stages
Proofreading
Starting at:
$10/1000 words
For authors who want to catch final errors before publishing.
This is the last step before formatting or printing. It’s a meticulous review for typos, spacing, and small mistakes.
You’ll receive:
- A final, careful polish
- Corrections for spelling and punctuation
- A manuscript that feels professional and complete
- Confidence that you’re ready to publish